William Howard Simon

US Patent:

48338893, May 30, 1989

Filed:

Jun 17, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/208284

Inventors:

Robert W. Harwell - Redondo Beach CA
William M. Simon - Los Angeles CA

Assignee:

Microluminetics - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

F25B 2102

US Classification:

62 32

Abstract:

A solid state thermoelectric refrigeration apparatus suitable for cooling various types of optical radiation detectors to desired operating temperatures, without the need for augmented cooling from any supplementary refrigeration apparatus. The refrigeration apparatus contains several thermoelectric cooling arrays of successively smaller size arranged in a generally pyramidal configuration, with a separate thermally-conductive base plate disposed between each adjacent pair of cooling arrays. The cooling arrays each include Peltier cooling elements arranged in a planar configuration. Polished, thermally-conductive, cup-shaped heat shields are attached to the successive base plates and arranged in a nested relationship, with each heat shield and associated base plate enclosing all of the successively smaller shields and base plates. Each base plate is thermally driven by the preceding thermoelectric cooling array, which also cools the associated heat shield. A window is mounted on an outermost shield which is attached to the hot side of the largest thermoelectric cooling array, thus heating the window to prevent moisture condensation.

US Patent:

49476483, Aug 14, 1990

Filed:

May 22, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/355168

Inventors:

Robert W. Harwell - Redondo Beach CA
William M. Simon - Los Angeles CA

Assignee:

Microluminetics, Inc. - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

F25B 2102

US Classification:

62 32

Abstract:

A solid state thermoelectric refrigeration apparatus suitable for cooling various types of optical radiation detectors to desired operating temperatures, without the need for augmented cooling from any supplementary refrigeration apparatus. The refrigeration apparatus contains several thermoelectric cooling arrays of successively smaller size arranged in a generally pyramidal configuration, with a separate thermally-conductive base plate disposed between each adjacent pair of cooling arrays. The cooling arrays each include Peltier cooling elements arranged in a planar configuration. Polished, thermally-conductive, cup-shaped heat shields are attached to the successive base plates and arranged in a nested relationship, with each heat shield and associated base plate enclosing all of the successively smaller shields and base plates. Each base plate is thermally driven by the preceding thermoelectric cooling array, which also cools the associated heat shield. A window is mounted on an outermost shield which is attached to the hot side of the largest thermoelectric cooling array, thus heating the window to prevent moisture condensation.